The Scottish Government has expressed profound disappointment after it was confirmed the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will not be shown on free-to-air television.
Paywall Decision Sparks Ministerial Ire
On Friday 19 December 2025, the organising body for the Games announced that the live broadcast contract had been awarded to TNT Sports, a channel owned by the global media giant Warner Bros Discovery. This decision means the event, scheduled for Glasgow next summer in a reduced format, will be inaccessible to UK viewers without a paid subscription.
Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray was quick to criticise the move. He stated the government had been clear that the Games should be available on free-to-air TV to ensure maximum accessibility. Both he and the Culture Secretary had previously written to the UK Government, arguing the event should not be placed behind a paywall.
Calls for 'Listed Event' Protection Ignored
The controversy centres on the UK's 'listed events' regime, designed to protect major national sporting occasions for free public viewing. Category A events, like the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup, are guaranteed live, free coverage. The Scottish Government had lobbied for the Commonwealth Games to be given this same Category A status, but these protections were not enacted.
"We asked that the Commonwealth Games was given the same free-to-air broadcasting protections as other major events," said Mr Gray. He confirmed he would be writing to the UK Government again to express his disappointment and urge them to reconsider, ensuring the Games are "available free-to-air and to as wide an audience as possible."
Broadcasters and Organisers Respond
A BBC spokeswoman explained the public broadcaster's bid "was unable to match the financial offer from the market." While expressing pride in its long history of covering the Games, the BBC said it would continue talks with organisers about bringing highlights or some coverage to free-to-air audiences.
In contrast, Games organisers hailed the TNT Sports deal as a "landmark moment." Katie Sadleir, CEO of Commonwealth Sport, said the partnership with Warner Bros Discovery would open "exciting new ways for fans to connect with the action" through extensive live coverage and athlete storytelling.
Phil Batty, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2026, added that the partnership reflected an ambition to reach new audiences with significant investment in content.
A spokesman for the UK Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport offered support for the Games but stopped short of promising intervention, instead urging rights holders to "explore options to ensure that as wide an audience as possible can watch." It is understood there are no current plans to review the listed events rules.
